Poland reduces diplomatic ties with Hungary

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) – Poland has downgraded its diplomatic relations with Hungary, formally recalling its ambassador, TVP Info reported Thursday.

Sebastian Keciek, who had served as Poland's ambassador to Hungary since 2022, has been recalled, leaving the Polish Embassy in Budapest now led by a chargé d’affaires, according to Paweł Wronski, the spokesperson for the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Hungarian Deputy Foreign Minister Levente Magyar openly acknowledged the deterioration in relations.

"Poland has finally recalled its ambassador, officially lowering the level of diplomatic relations between the countries," he said.

He described the move as unprecedented, saying a "gradual deterioration of political relations has led to this regrettable step."

Despite this, Magyar expressed hope for a return to dialogue.

The diplomatic rift stems from Budapest’s decision to provide political asylum to Marcin Romanowski, a former Polish deputy minister of justice affiliated with the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party.

Romanowski is under investigation by Poland’s National Prosecutor’s Office for alleged involvement in an organized criminal group and embezzlement linked to the Justice Fund. A Polish and European Arrest Warrant has been issued against Romanowski.

In response to Hungary's move, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski summoned Keciek to Warsaw for indefinite consultations in December 2024. On Monday, the Polish Foreign Ministry confirmed that Keciek’s mission had formally ended due to Hungary's "unfriendly gesture" and violation of the EU principle of mutual loyalty.